The Reluctant Debutante Read Online Free PDF

as the Fitzpatrick family gathered together when the party began to wind down. Basil wandered over to him as he left the dance floor.
    “So what do you think of my boisterous family?”
    “They are not so different from my people, Bas. A bit pale, perhaps, but nothing else.”
    “You’ve been pretty quiet all evening. I thought perhaps meeting most of my family at once was too much. They do have a tendency to overwhelm people.”
    “Not at all. They are enjoyable.”
    “Well, we have managed to keep Ginger on her best behavior for one night, anyway. I know my parents are breathing sighs of relief. Thank you, my good friend, for providing a diversion.”
    “Judging from the crush of people who spoke to us, I would say you are the diversion, not me. Do you know every last person in New York? They all seemed to be eager to welcome you home.”
    “I’m the excuse for everyone coming to greet us. You’re the reason. All these young ladies wanted to dance with you — you’re someone new in their midst. I can’t wait to read the society pages in tomorrow’s paper.”
    “Let us hope these young ladies never find out their dance partner was an Indian. I still think inviting me to come with you to New York was a huge mistake.”

Chapter Five
    Basil let himself into the family brownstone the next afternoon and followed the sounds of voices and tinkling china cups into the parlor. On every table throughout the house sat a bouquet of flowers. Their cloying scent made Basil groan inwardly. So many flowers meant one of two things: either someone had just died, or Ginger’s debut into society was an overwhelming success. No one he knew had passed away, therefore the flowers meant he would have his hands full keeping Ginger and her various suitors in check for the remainder of the season. That made his mission today even more crucial.
    As he strode into the room, all conversation stopped and every pair of eyes in the parlor turned to him. He wore his usual western casual attire. His duster coat was draped over his shoulders and open in the front to reveal a pair of deerskin trousers. The pants hugged his thighs, which had turned into hard muscle during his year in the West. He spent his free time with Joseph, learning how to round up and break horses. Well-worn boots came up to his knees. His mother smiled and set down her teacup.
    “Basil, you’re here!” She stood and gave him a peck on the cheek. “Did you bring your suitcase so you can move back into your room and get out of the hotel where you spent last night? And where is your friend, Mr. Lafontaine?”
    Basil gave his mother a hug, lifting her off her feet. She giggled like a girl. Several of the young ladies who had been talking to Ginger sighed.
    “Joseph is at the livery, taking care of his horses. Some men have already expressed interest in them, so he’s adamant that he should be the only one to care for them and make certain they are in prime form.”
    Ginger hugged her brother too, and tugged on his sleeve. “You and Mr. Lafontaine will be moving in here for the season, though, won’t you?”
    “I don’t know, Ginger. Joseph and I may not want Mother to know what we’re doing in the evenings.” Basil grinned at his mother.
    The girls in the room sighed again. They were all Ginger’s closest friends, along with their mothers, and were discussing last night’s Cotillion in elaborate detail.
    Basil asked, “Mother, may we talk privately for a moment? Is Father in his library?”
    Charlotte glanced around the room at her guests, seemingly befuddled at this lapse in etiquette. “I suppose so. Ginger, please take over the hostess duties for me, if you don’t mind.”
    “But ... ”
    “Hush, Ginger. I’ll only be a minute. Colleen can help you with the tea,” Charlotte replied as the Irish maid wheeled a fresh teacart into the room.
    Basil turned back to the group. “Ladies, please forgive me for interrupting your tea party.” He bowed at the